Why This Book Resonated with Me - A Professional Mom

"How Women Rise" by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

I waited for a long time to read this particular book that I had always heard (read recommended) about. And, finally, I finished it! It turned out to be one of the most relatable books that I've read in a while.

What surprised me most was how easily I could read it and relate to its contents. I found myself reading through a chapter, and then stopping and reflecting on a sentence because it resonated so deeply with me.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: A Slow, Intentional Read

This book felt like having a heartfelt conversation with a wise mentor who truly understands my unique challenges (actually, the challenges that women face). Books like these are special because they make you pause and think about your life. Many times, it felt like I was having a direct conversation with the author, where she was engaging with the professional mother in me. :)

The Bottom Line

How Women Rise highlights twelve key habits, such as women’s hesitance to acknowledge their own accomplishments, overemphasis on expertise, ineffective relationship-building, a tendency to prioritize people-pleasing and perfectionism, and a habit of overthinking. The author shares stories of women they’ve worked with, illustrating the valuable lessons learned from their setbacks.

My Perspective: The Strengths of Motherhood - Lessons for Professional Growth

Motherhood has given me countless lessons—many of which I didn’t fully understand until I read this book. It’s easy to overlook how the challenges of parenting equip us with skills that directly translate to our professional lives. From patience to resilience, multitasking to problem-solving, motherhood builds strengths that can serve us in every aspect of life.

This book emphasizes the importance of recognizing your own strengths and learning to leverage them. As mothers, we often juggle multiple roles—caregiver, teacher, manager, and more—and we don’t always acknowledge how these roles strengthen our ability to perform in the workplace. For me, handling the unpredictability of a toddler’s tantrum or dealing with a late-night sickness built my emotional resilience, something that’s highly valuable in leadership roles.

A Shift in Perspective

What captivated me the most was this book’s perspective on how women unintentionally minimize their worth in the workplace. We often make ourselves smaller to fit into societal expectations, downplaying our talents or stepping back from conversations. The book promotes stepping up, asserting your value, and having the confidence to claim your space.

Another perspective that resonated with me was the idea of “minimizing.” As a mother, I’ve learned to "speak up" not just for my child but for me as well. This practice has been extremely empowering, helped me find my voice, and translated beautifully into my professional life.

A Call to Reflect and Share

This book not only inspired me to continue on my journey of self-growth but also reminded me of the importance of taking time for reading—something that often gets lost amidst the busyness of motherhood and work. This reflection serves as a gentle reminder to make space for personal growth through reading and learning.

If you've read this book, I’d love to hear your takeaways and insights. Tell me what resonated with you. Share your thoughts, and let's continue this empowering conversation about rising and realizing our full potential!